Mount Ord

Tonto Basin, Arizona 85553

Mount Ord is one of several summits in the Mazatzal Mountains more than 7,000 feet in elevation, and the only Mazatzal peak with road access to a fire lookout on the summit. This hike covers 15 miles round-trip and 4,000 feet of elevation gain, a popular endurance hike among locals, who use it to train for even tougher challenges.
This strenuous hike isn’t for everyone. The forest road is not a formal trail, and there are no facilities at the “trailhead.” But for intrepid adventurers who seek a lengthy, rigorous, but nontechnical route with ample elevation gain, Mount Ord may be the ideal hike.

Mount Ord

Tonto Basin, Arizona 85553

Mount Ord is one of several summits in the Mazatzal Mountains more than 7,000 feet in elevation, and the only Mazatzal peak with road access to a fire lookout on the summit. This hike covers 15 miles round-trip and 4,000 feet of elevation gain, a popular endurance hike among locals, who use it to train for even tougher challenges.

This strenuous hike isn’t for everyone. The forest road is not a formal trail, and there are no facilities at the “trailhead.” But for intrepid adventurers who seek a lengthy, rigorous, but nontechnical route with ample elevation gain, Mount Ord may be the ideal hike.

Mount Ord Professional Guide

Detailed Trail Description from our Guidebook

"Mount Ord is one of several summits in the Mazatzal Mountains more than 7,000 feet in elevation, and the only Mazatzal peak with road access to a fire lookout on the summit. This hike covers 15 miles round-trip and 4,000 feet of elevation gain, a popular endurance hike among locals, who use it to train for even tougher challenges.

This strenuous hike isn’t for everyone. The forest road is not a formal trail, and there are no facilities at the “trailhead.” But for intrepid adventurers who seek a lengthy, rigorous, but nontechnical route with ample elevation gain, Mount Ord may be the ideal hike."

"Mount Ord in the Mazatzal Mountains has a fire lookout tower as well as several communications towers. The road that accesses them is a very pleasant, short drive to the summit of Mount Ord. The lower end of the road leaves Arizona 87, the Beeline Highway, at a marked turnoff. When we mapped this trail, a second stretch of Arizona 87, to the east of the original one, was under construction. It is not known how this new section will change access to the trail. Access will be retained, but it is still unclear if the trail will only be accessed from the easternmost lanes. Special Attractions: Panoramic views of the Tonto Basin and the Four Peaks Wilderness Area; Saguaro Lake near the start of the trail and Theodore Roosevelt Lake near the end of the trail; Many hiking trails into the Four Peaks Wilderness; Easy trail that makes a good day trip from Phoenix. High-clearance vehicles are preferred, but not necessary. This trail is dirt roads, but may have rocks, grades, water crossings, or ruts that make clearance a concern in a normal passenger vehicle. The trail is fairly wide, so that passing is possible at almost any point along the trail. Mud is not a concern under normal weather conditions." Read more